1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 365 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 887 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 2009 Ferrari F430 has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ferrari F430 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2009 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Lotus | Ferrari |
| Model | Elise | F430 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 95 L |
